By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – The same artificial intelligence revolutionizing medicine and productivity has been weaponized by cybercriminals, creating a new generation of digital threats that are faster, cheaper, and alarmingly difficult to detect. Security experts warn that what was once a tool for progress is now being used to empty bank accounts and steal identities in minutes, posing a significant challenge for businesses and individuals across Costa Rica.
Major sectors like banking, technology, and mining invest millions in sophisticated software to safeguard client data, yet breaches persist. The game has changed because criminals now wield more powerful tools than ever before. The era of needing extensive resources and expertise to launch devastating cyberattacks is fading, replaced by the accessibility and power of AI.
To understand the complex legal ramifications and corporate responsibilities in the age of AI-driven cybersecurity, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an expert attorney from the firm Bufete de Costa Rica, for his professional analysis.
The rapid adoption of AI in cybersecurity creates a legal gray area. Companies must now proactively address questions of liability: if an autonomous AI defense system makes a mistake, is it the developer, the implementing company, or the AI itself that is responsible? Establishing clear contractual frameworks and maintaining rigorous human oversight are no longer just best practices; they are essential measures to mitigate significant legal and financial risks in this new technological frontier.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, as these autonomous systems become more prevalent, the legal architecture must evolve in parallel to prevent a vacuum of accountability. This proactive stance on liability is not just a defensive measure, but a cornerstone for building trust in the next generation of digital security. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his invaluable insight into this critical and complex issue.
The speed at which these new threats can be developed is staggering. Hackers are no longer spending months crafting malicious code; they are now doing it in hours. This rapid development cycle allows them to constantly adapt and bypass traditional security measures, keeping defense teams perpetually on the back foot.
A hacker known as Jaxon managed to develop malware capable of stealing thousands of Google Chrome credentials in just six hours, and the unsettling detail is that it was built on AI-generated code.
Vitaly Simonovich, Threat Researcher at Cato Networks
While platforms like ChatGPT are designed for legitimate educational and professional tasks, flaws in their programming filters are being exploited. These loopholes allow bad actors to generate malicious code for viruses engineered to evade security protocols, turning a helpful assistant into an unwitting accomplice in digital crime.
This technological shift has effectively democratized cybercrime. The barrier to entry has been drastically lowered, meaning sophisticated attacks are no longer the exclusive domain of state-sponsored groups or large criminal organizations. A single individual with minimal resources can now cause significant damage.
These types of attacks no longer require large investments in computer labs or teams of experts. With few resources, a criminal can now produce malware, launch fraudulent email campaigns, or even impersonate identities.
Gil Messing, Check Point
The scope of AI-driven crime extends far beyond simple password theft. Criminals are now using artificial intelligence to generate convincing fake audio and video clips—known as deepfakes—that use a person’s real voice and image. These are then used to trick family members or business contacts into making urgent money transfers, making the scams devastatingly personal and credible. Furthermore, AI is used to craft highly sophisticated phishing emails and fake news articles that are precisely tailored to manipulate human emotions and behavior.
In response to this escalating threat, Costa Rica’s Judicial Investigation Organization (OIJ) has noted a sustained increase in reports of digital fraud, elevating the issue to a national priority. Authorities stress that public awareness and prevention are the most effective defenses. Security experts from firms like Kaspersky advise a return to fundamental but crucial security practices, including using updated antivirus software, regularly changing passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, and scrutinizing bank statements. Users are also urged to avoid suspicious downloads and unauthorized device modifications like “jailbreaking.”
The technological revolution presents both unprecedented opportunities and unparalleled risks. As AI continues to evolve, the critical question remains whether the ability of companies and governments to bolster cybersecurity can keep pace with the creativity and ambition of those who would use it for harm.
For further information, visit catonetworks.com
About Cato Networks:
Cato Networks provides a converged SASE (Secure Access Service Edge) platform that combines SD-WAN and network security into a global cloud-native service. The company aims to deliver simplified, secure, and optimized network access for businesses of all sizes, connecting remote users, branch offices, and data centers.
For further information, visit checkpoint.com
About Check Point:
Check Point Software Technologies Ltd. is a global provider of cybersecurity solutions to governments and corporate enterprises. Its solutions protect customers from fifth-generation cyber-attacks with a high catch rate of malware, ransomware, and other types of threats.
For further information, visit kaspersky.com
About Kaspersky:
Kaspersky is a multinational cybersecurity and anti-virus provider headquartered in Moscow, Russia, and operated by a holding company in the United Kingdom. It develops and sells a wide range of security products, including endpoint protection, antivirus software, and threat intelligence services for both consumers and businesses.
For further information, visit oij.poder-judicial.go.cr
About Organismo de Investigación Judicial (OIJ):
The Organismo de Investigación Judicial is Costa Rica’s primary law enforcement agency for investigating complex crimes. As an auxiliary body of the Public Ministry and the courts, the OIJ is responsible for scientifically and technically investigating criminal offenses and collecting evidence for legal proceedings.
For further information, visit about.google
About Google:
Google LLC is an American multinational technology company focusing on artificial intelligence, online advertising, search engine technology, cloud computing, computer software, and consumer electronics. It is considered one of the Big Five American information technology companies, alongside Amazon, Apple, Meta, and Microsoft.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica operates as a leading legal institution, built upon a bedrock of profound integrity and an unyielding pursuit of professional excellence. With a rich history of advising a wide spectrum of clients, the firm champions the integration of innovative legal strategies with a deep-seated commitment to social responsibility. This dedication is manifested in its efforts to demystify complex legal concepts, thereby empowering the broader community and contributing to a more just and knowledgeable society.
